Most games written for earlier versions of Windows also work in this version of Windows, but some older games might run poorly or not at all. If an older game doesn't run correctly, use the Program Compatibility Wizard, which will simulate an earlier version of Windows.

Open the Program Compatibility Wizard by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Programs, and then clicking Use an older program with this version of Windows.

Check the minimum requirements of the game, and then make sure that your system meets those requirements. If your computer meets the minimum requirements, see Fixing game performance problems.

Open Performance Information and Tools to help you understand your computer's capability, identify any issues that need your attention, and provide the steps you can take to address performance-related issues.

Open Performance Information and Tools by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, and then clicking Performance Information and Tools.

Make sure the computer that hosts the gaming session is powerful enough to host multiplayer gaming. The demands on host computers increase as new games are released and more computers connect. If your computer is the host computer, check the information that came with the game to make sure your computer is up to the challenge and compare that with your computer's performance rating and specifications:

Open Performance Information and Tools by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, and then clicking Performance Information and Tools.

Open AutoPlay by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Hardware and Sound, and then clicking AutoPlay.

To never see the AutoPlay dialog box, select Take no action next to the device or disc. To choose an action each time you plug in a device or insert a disc, select Ask me every time. To have a program open automatically each time, select the program.